Exploring the Sunshine State: My Ultimate Florida Road Trip Adventure

From the our first stop after crossing the Florida state line  the enchanting beauty of the Keys, my Florida road trip was nothing short of magical.

Join me as I travel from the Florida Panhandle down to the Keys, sharing highlights, travel tips, and unforgettable moments.

Each destination has a clickable link that will take you to more information about each location.

DAY 1

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VISITING BEER CAN ISLAND (LONGBOAT KEY)

 

I know it is confusing but there are two Beer Can Islands in Florida.  This Beer Can Island is located Longboat Key, a barrier island west of Sarasota. 

THREE SISTERS SPRINGS

Three Sisters Springs is a unit of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors to the refuge can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and bicycling when visiting this beautiful refuge.

HIGHLIGHTS OF VISITING THREE SISTERS SPRINGS

Manatees: During the winter months, Three Sisters Springs becomes a haven for manatees seeking warmer waters. You can often see these gentle giants up close, swimming gracefully or resting near the springs.

HARBOUR MASTER INN - CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA

 

We spent a night at the Harbour Inn in Cedar Key, and while the building is older and lacks the polish of some more upscale accommodations, it offered a unique charm that made our stay truly enjoyable. It was one of the most distinctive places I've ever stayed, and I found it thoroughly delightful.

ST GEORGE ISLAND, FLORIDA

Discover St. George Island, a 22-mile barrier island boasting some of the Gulf Coast's most exquisite and tranquil beaches. Nestled off Florida's Panhandle, it stands as one of the few remaining inhabited yet unspoiled barrier islands in the state. Here, visitors revel in miles of uncrowded shoreline perfect for sunbathing and beachcombing, while the crystal-clear Gulf waters invite swimming and promise excellent fishing opportunities. Pristine marshlands provide a haven for wildlife enthusiasts keen on birdwatching and nature photography.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ST GEORGE ISLAND

LOW KEY HIDEWAY - A MUST VISIT IN CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA

If you’re seeking a spot that captures the essence of Old Florida, allowing you to escape the chaos of everyday life and connect with nature, the Low-Key Hideaway in Cedar Key is an ideal choice. Nestled on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this hidden treasure provides a serene, rustic getaway with a charmingly quirky vibe that's simply irresistible.

DISCOVERING FLORIDA'S HIDDEN GEM: MEXICO BEACH, FLORIDA

 

If you're searching for a serene coastal getaway where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, look no further than Mexico Beach, Florida. Tucked away on Florida’s Panhandle, this charming town offers everything you need for a relaxing vacation—pristine beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and a welcoming community.

MEXICO BEACH HIGHLIGHTS

COASTAL CHARM OF CEDAR KEY

 

Located 90 miles directly north of St. Pete/Clearwater, Cedar Key is not readily accessible. You'll need to drive to the western terminus of state road 24 to reach it, and there isn't much to catch your eye along the journey. Surrounded by federally protected land, Cedar Key lies far from the usual tourist routes, which may enhance its allure; reaching here requires a genuine desire to experience it.

DISCOVERING WAKULLA SPRINGS STATE PARK

Tucked away in the heart of Florida’s panhandle, Wakulla Springs State Park is a destination that truly embodies the phrase “hidden gem.” With its crystal-clear waters, ancient cypress trees, and an abundance of wildlife, this park offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and a glimpse into Florida's natural beauty.

BEACHSIDE AIRBNB IN PANAMA CITY BEACH

 

During our road trip to the Florida Keys, we stayed in this fantastic condo. With over a hundred reviews and an impressive 4.98 rating, it's a top choice for anyone looking for a cozy one-bedroom getaway. Highly recommended!

"Sun, Sand, and Serenity: Why Panama City Beach is a Great Destination

 Panama City Beach offers pristine beaches, exciting water sports like snorkeling and jet skiing, vibrant nightlife, delicious seafood, and stunning sunsets. It's a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!

Highlights of Panama City Beach

DISCOVER ALYS BEACH ON 30A, FLORIDA

 

If  you are traveling down 30A, Alys Beach should be on your list of must see places.  The town is renowned for its striking architecture, characterized by its whitewashed, stucco buildings with clean lines and minimalist design. 

Alys Beach shares some architectural and aesthetic similarities with Greece, particularly in its Mediterranean-inspired design, it is distinct in its modern, purpose-built character and American coastal environment. 

Seaside, Florida: A Coastal Gem Waiting to Be Explored

If you are taking a road trip through Florida, driving along scenic Highway 30A is a must.  It is lined with unique and charming beach towns such as Seaside, Rosemary Beach, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, and more. Each town has its own character, with pastel-colored homes, quaint shops, art galleries, and delightful cafes.

BLACKWATER RIVER STATE PARK, FLORIDA: A NATURE LOVER'S PARADISE

 

Nestled in the heart of Florida’s panhandle, Blackwater River State Park offers a serene escape into nature with its crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes.

Blackwater River State Park is situated near Milton, Florida, just a short drive from Pensacola. It’s easily accessible via Interstate 10.

BUDGET ROAD TRIP TIPS

Going on a low-budget road trip can be a fantastic adventure without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you plan a budget-friendly road trip:

1. Plan Your Route: Decide on your destinations and map out the most efficient route to minimize unnecessary driving and fuel costs.  I usually use Google maps and drop pins along my stops.

2. Fuel Efficiency: I guess this is obvious but driving a large gas-guzzling truck is going to cost more than a smaller economy car.  We were pretty cramped on our last road trip but we saved a fortune in gas. 

PHOTO BOOK ~ ROAD TRIP 2017

I am so excited!  I just ordered my new photo book from MIXBOOKS.

I have to admit that this is one of my favorite books.  Maybe because most of my books have been of my travels in Europe and the Caribbean and this time I got to use moose stickers and old wood backdrops.  I have had so much fun creating this photo album.  You can see the entire book HERE.

You can see my post about my road trip to Minnesota and the North shore HERE.

DULUTH, MINNESOTA

When my sister and I started planning our road trip, we were heading to Colorado.  Because of endless rain in the forecast, we decided to head to the only place in the US that didn't have rain in the forecast and that was Minnesota.  

To be honest, Minnesota had never been on my radar. After playing around on Pinterest, I realized that was a lot of beauty in Minnesota, especially along the North Shore. It wasn't long before I was packing and excited about heading to an area of endless waterfalls.

TWO HARBORS LIGHT HOUSE - TWO HARBORS, MN

The Two Harbors Light is the oldest operating lighthouse in the Minnesota. Overlooking Lake Superior's Agate Bay, the lighthouse is located in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

This was not a planned stop but those are usually the best, aren't they?

We saw a a sign that said Two Harbors and made a sharp left turn.  The town was so quaint and beautiful baskets of pink flowers were hanging from lamp post around town. 

SUGARLOAF COVE ~ Schroeder, MN

Sugarloaf Cove is a 34-acre site located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, approximately 4 miles southwest of the town of Schroeder, Minnesota.

Here is the entrance to the trail leading to the lake.

SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE ~Two Harbors, Minnesota

The most dangerous piece of water in the world - A November gale that wrecked nearly 30 ships in 1905 prompted this rugged landmark's construction. When the U.S. Lighthouse Service completed Split Rock Light Station in 1910, it soon became one of Minnesota's best known destinations.

Nestled in a Minnesota State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most photographed and visited spots in the state.  We decided not to stop at the lighthouse and visitor center though we did drive around the area. 

If you were to google Split Rock Lighthouse, you will see some amazingly beautiful photos of the lighthouse across the bay and that was the view we were after.

We almost had the entire place to ourselves.  There was only one family on the whole beach.